Athy comhaltas travelled to Maynooth for the Kildare fleadh and to say they swept the boards would be an understatement, qualifying for the Leinster finals in four categories.
Siofra Nic Gabhann and Jack Kelly, U15 duet winners at the Kildare Fleadh Cheoil finals
The Leinster finals take place at the end of June in Portlaoise. In the U12 section, Faye Downey and Senan Downey qualified for the finals in the whistle section and the trio of Brendan O’Brien, Adam Doyle and Annamae Conway also secured their ticket to the finals. Not to be outdone; the U15s will also be well represented at the finals with Siofra Nic Gabhann on the harp, Jack Kelly qualifying on fiddle, uileann pipes and piano. Michael O’Brien qualified on the button accordion, with Síofra Nic Gabhann and Jack Kelly securing the duet berth for the finals. In the U18 section, Fionn O’Rourke will take his place in Portlaoise on the banjo and he will accompany James Hickey in the U18 duet.
The O18 finalists are Joe Byrne on the uilleann pipes/pipes slow air and Grainne Rynne on piano accordion. Later in the day, 17 adults members from Athy branch gave a fantastic performance on the ‘gig rig’ stage in Maynooth Square, they entertained the crowds with a 45-minute set which was well received. Congratulations to all the performers and supporters and best wishes in the finals.
